Porsche is offering two new models of the 911 in 2012 with a longer, wider, lighter and more powerful car available as a coupe in Carrera and Carrera S trims. The new 911 has been improved inside and out as well as outfitted with intelligent, 21st century solutions that take the driving experience to a whole new level. The new design incorporates an energy-efficient engine that delivers more power and combines Porsche’s tradition with innovation.

The previous generation 911 is still being sold, carried over from 2011 without any significant changes. To avoid confusion, the new model is being referred to as the Porsche 991 while the older is the Porsche 997.

The most notable changes made to the new model’s exterior are the larger headlights, more pronounced wheel arch flares and slimmer LED taillights. Inside, the cabin adopts some styling cues from the Carrera GT supercar and Panamera sedan, with a new center console that extends to the dashboard, placing the gear selector closer to the steering wheel. In the back, where all Porsche 911 engines reside, the Carrera S sport’s carries a 350-horsepower, 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine, while the Carrera S gets a 400-hp 3.8-liter. Either can have the new seven-speed manual or automated dual-clutch transmission. Other changes for the new 911 include electric-assist power steering and updated suspension designs for improvements in handling and comfort.

Body styles and trim levels
The all-new 2012 Porsche 911 (991) Carrera and Carrera S feature 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, partial leather upholstery, four-way power-adjustable sport seats with manual fore/aft, split-folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a faux suede headliner, a touchscreen electronics interface, Bluetooth, a navigation system and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, USB/iPod integration and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Carrera S version has this equipment plus 20-inch wheels, a more powerful engine, larger brakes and an active suspension with selectable sport or normal driving modes. The larger wheels and active suspension are available options on the Carrera.

Most options are available individually or in packages. Stand-alone options include polished aluminum exterior trim, front and rear parking sensors, a rear window wiper, folding mirrors, a sunroof, ceramic composite brakes, a torque-vectoring differential, variable power steering, a sport exhaust, full leather seats, a full leather interior, 14-way power sport seats with driver memory, Sport Seat Plus (18-way power seats with more side bolstering) and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

Powertrains and performance
The 2012 Porsche 911 lineup continues the 48-year tradition of being powered by a rear-mounted, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine.

The new 991 models feature a standard seven-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual known as PDK is available as an option.

The 911 Carrera sports a 3.4-liter engine producing 350 hp and 287 pound-feet of torque. Porsche estimates 0–100 kph times at 4.6 seconds for the manual transmission and 4.4 seconds for the PDK. The Carrera S is powered by a 3.8-liter engine that makes 400 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The manual transmission cars are expected to reach 100 kph in 4.3 seconds, while the PDK will hit that speed in 4.1 seconds. When equipped with the optional launch control feature, acceleration should be improved by a further 0.2 seconds.

Safety
Every 2012 Porsche 911 comes with antilock ventilated disc brakes, stability control and front, side and side curtain air bags. The new 991 models also include knee air bags for the driver and front passenger. Given this, you’d only need the available ceramic composite brakes if you frequent high-performance driving events.

Interior design and special features
Whether you’re looking into the new 991 Porsche 911, exceptional build quality and superior materials are consistent throughout the varied lineup. Leather surfaces are top-notch and plastics are convincingly grained to match.

The redesigned 911 interior features a center console that sweeps upwards, creating a unified bridge between the center armrest and dash.

As a result, the gearshift is conveniently placed closer to the steering wheel. The new car’s longer wheelbase also translates to added leg room, but only by 2.5 centimeters for the front seats. Rear seats also benefit from added leg room, but are still only suitable for small children.

Supportive front bucket seats do a great job of holding both driver and passenger in place while cornering. Roomy footwells and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel mean the 911 can accommodate drivers of nearly all sizes. Interior controls are relatively simple to operate, and items like navigation, Bluetooth, the iPod interface and ventilated seats help make this sports car a viable daily driver.

Driving impressions
Despite an exaggerated rear weight bias, the 2012 Porsche 911 is extraordinarily composed during hard cornering. The hard-core enthusiast GT2 RS model retains much of the tail-happy antics that made ancestral 911s so tricky to drive. This can be attributed in part to the advanced traction and stability controls, as well as all-wheel drive in select models. But thankfully, the driver still feels a connectedness with the road that is lacking in more modern sports cars. bt